Printer Firmware Updates March 03, 2011 14:56 by Matt Bird
The legal debate on Printer Firmware Updates is set to escalate after it emerged Lexmark Toner Cartridges are also being targetted by the manufacturer.
This comes just 2 months after the January Lexmark firmware update prevented the use of third-party Lexmark ink cartridges, mainly targetting Lexmark 100 ink.
An unexpected move...
Manufacturers have long tried to protect their money-making OEM market, Epson actively pursuing patent-infringement and HP's incredibly technical cartridge chips are perfect examples.
The sudden Lexmark firmware update was seen as an attempt to protect the brand new series of printers headlining their inkjet range.
Moving this update over to their Laser printers, already guarded by the Lexmark Return Program, was a surprising move, and is hopefully not a precedent for other manufacturers.
How long until the Big Guns step in?
Image thanks to The Recycler
Whilst rumours circulate of the British Office of Fair Trading opening investigations, customer complaints continue to roll in.
A company called Static Control Components is not taking this threat lightly, issuing information packs to customers warning of the risk of Firmware Updates
Here at Stinkyink we are in direct contact with a law firm investigating the firmware update and a potential breach of fair business practice.
We are also keeping a close eye on other manufacturers following suit, with our Product Guarantee protecting all of our customers.
Cross your fingers third-party cartridges come through...
Even consumers using OEM products can understand the ramifications of no third-party market, with profit hungry manufacturers enjoying free-reign on their pricing.
The printer cartridge market is not governed by competition. Individuals very rarely compare cartridge costs when purchasing a new printer, and the only competition manufacturers worry about is getting that initial hardware sale.
No third-party market? Expect to see those Fox ink cartridges getting that little bit more expensive...
Have you been hit by a firmware update?
Let us know! Comment below, maybe someone has had a similar problem and found a way around it.
